England’s dream and nightmare groups ahead of Qatar 2022 World Cup draw

Millions will be waiting on the result of the draw on Friday afternoon as the teams heading for Qatar learn their fate.

Qualification is not over yet, but 29 of the 32 teams have been confirmed and England are one of them.

Gareth Southgate’s side are right where they want to be ahead of the draw, in Pot One, alongside six of the world’s best teams and host nations Qatar.

Each of the eight groups at the World Cup will include one side from each of the four pots, with teams – in theory – decreasing in quality down the pots.

However, there is quite a range of quality within the groups, meaning that there are some very favourable draws and some absolute stinkers – as evidenced by Qatar and Brazil sitting in the same pot.

The dream draw for England

This is clearly subjective, but it looks three group opponents of Mexico, Morocco and Saudi Arabia would be a very handy draw for the Three Lions.

England fans would also be pretty happy with a trio of USA, Iran and New Zealand, if that came to pass.

The nightmare scenario

There is a chance of England being stuck in a group with Germany, Senegal and
Peru, which does not look like much fun.

Another tricky option would be Uruguay, Poland and Cameroon.

When are the remaining qualifiers?

Scotland and Ukraine’s play-off is likely to be played in June, with the winner taking on Wales for a place in Qatar.

Australia are playing UAE in the Asia qualifying play-off, with the winner meeting Peru in one of the inter-continental play-offs for a place at the World Cup.

The other inter-continental play-off will be between Costa Rica and New Zealand.

When is the 2022 World Cup draw?

The draw for the  group stage takes place in Qatar on Friday at around 5pm UK time.

The World Cup draw will be screened on BBC One from 4.45pm on Friday, and will also air on Sky Sports.

Alternatively, you can watch the draw via the BBC iPlayer 

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